Which step do you spend the most time on, when you create an Excel model? Typing formulas and checking results, or rather setting the format, e.g. selecting borders, backgrounds, fonts, font sizes, font styles and even row and column heights and width? Formatting an Excel table can take a large amount of time, but “Format Painter” can greatly reduce the time you need.
Steps for using the format painter
“Format Painter” copies the format of a cell or several cells and pastes the format with your next click. Here are the steps (the numbers are corresponding to the image above):
Format a cell or a cell range as a template.
Select the formatted range.
Click on the format painter. Click it one time for just formatting one cell range, or double-click it if you want to apply the format to several ranges after one another.
Click on the top left cell of the unformatted cell range.
Press Esc or the Format Painter again when you are done copying the format (in case you’ve double clicked on the Format Painter).
If you select a whole column or row, you can also copy their width or height.
One last recommendation: Put the Format Painter as a shortcut into the quick access toolbar. For example, if it’s in the fourth position in the quick access toolbar, you can easily access it by pressing “Alt + 4”. Furthermore, doing this the same way in PowerPoint, Word or even Outlook is very handy, as it is always the same keyboard shortcut for you.
Professor Excel is a fictional person with one passion: Microsoft Excel. He is devoted to pass on his vast experience and help all future generations to excel in Excel!
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.